A civil society organisation, the Alliance for Democratic Rights (ADR), has called on members of the Council of State to advise President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to draw from their experiences in office to uphold democratic values and protect Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, ADR’s National President, Mr. Andy O. Chucks, and National Secretary, Mallam Suleiman Funtua, said it had become imperative for the Council,comprising former Heads of State and past and present Chief Justices of Nigeria,to prevail on the President to halt alleged interference in the internal affairs of opposition political parties.
The group alleged that the actions and public statements of the President suggest “subterranean interests” in the activities of opposition parties, with the aim of weakening them ahead of future elections.
ADR expressed concern over what it described as growing instability within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), warning that the crises, if left unchecked, could heighten political tensions across the country.
“Many Nigerians now perceive the crises in these parties as being instigated from the Presidency, despite official denials,” the statement said.
The organisation urged former presidents and heads of state to leverage their experience to guide the current administration and address what it termed “perceived interference” in both party affairs and the judiciary.
According to ADR, both the Presidency and sections of the judiciary must refrain from involvement in the internal workings of political parties to avoid a breakdown of law and order.
“The meddling in the affairs of political parties is gradually eroding citizens’ rights to a functional multiparty democracy,” the statement added.
The group further argued that while Nigerian laws clearly define the administration of political parties, the judiciary has, in some instances, overstepped its bounds.
“Courts do not have absolute jurisdiction over the internal affairs of political parties, yet recent developments suggest otherwise,” Chucks said.
ADR also raised concerns over the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that their actions could undermine democratic processes if not carefully managed.
“It appears that certain actions may derail our democracy if urgent steps are not taken,” the statement cautioned.
The group called on prominent Nigerians to intervene, stressing that democracy cannot thrive without a strong and stable opposition.
“It is evident to many Nigerians how internal crises have weakened the PDP and are now affecting the ADC. Section 83 of the Electoral Act clearly stipulates that the internal affairs of a political party are its own responsibility, and courts should refrain from interference,” Chucks stated.
He warned against any drift toward a one-party system, describing it as detrimental to the country’s democratic future.
“Nigerians will resist any attempt to impose a one-party system. Patriotic leaders must speak out now before it is too late,” he said.
ADR also expressed concern over what it described as the silence of the Council of State amid rising political tensions.
“The silence of the Council of State is troubling at a time like this. They must act to preserve the nation’s democracy,” Chucks added.
The organisation warned that continued interference in party affairs could weaken internal democracy and set a dangerous precedent as the 2027 general elections approaches.
